ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — It's been two decades since Bernard and Vivian De Raad took over Cap's On the Water.
“We had a vision of doing something else with a fish camp because there were so many fish camps in Florida already with crab traps and fish nets on the wall. We wanted to elevate the experience a little bit," De Raad said.
De Raad says they used a mixture of great wines, customer services and more seafood options to deliver that elevated experience.
“I always listen to my wife who is a native Floridian. I’m the European so I gave a little culinary talents in the mix and she made sure we had great fried food and great fresh fish," De Raad said.
The waterfront restaurant has become a staple in the area over the years but not just for the food they serve.
“We grew very organically. We kept the nature in place which became a trademark for camps. Where else can you dine in the trees right on the water? We really preserved that always," De Raad said.
Cap's On the Water was ranked No. 9 on tripstodicover.com '15 Most Beautiful Restaurants in the U.S'
“It’s just a nice restaurant to relax sit down wait for your great meal enjoy the setting and enjoy the people," De Raad said. “My wife and I are super grateful to all of our employees, ex and present for making this happen. We have more than 150 employees making this happen every day."
To learn more about Cap's On the Water click here.